Once used as iron works, shipbuilding and as a coal wharf, we’ve gradually redeveloped to provide tranquility in an urban landscape.
The site is a bloom of flowers and buzzing insects during the summer months. Interconnecting ponds teem with life such as newts and Water Scorpion. The surrounding tidal river attracts flocks of waders such as Redshank when the mud is exposed at low tide.
The site boasts an outdoor classroom that can be used by school and youth groups throughout the year. The site holds a prestigious Green Flag Award.
Bow Creek Ecology Park
In February
WILDLIFE AND HABITATS
This month, we will be removing vegetation from the surface of the ponds and channels. Winter is the best time of year for removal, but we will still leave the vegetation on the banks for a few days to allow any trapped invertebrates to make it back into the water. We have undertaken coppicing of the willows at the top of the boardwalk and at the top of the large pond in the wildlife refuge area, and we are continuing to chip all the buddleia that was removed from under the DLR at the far end of the path on the east side.
Last month’s prolonged period of snow brought in some unexpected wildlife. Bow Creek was home to both Snipe and Jack Snipe for a couple of days at the beginning of January. Some Scaup were also recorded at East India Dock Basin during the cold spell, which was a particularly nice record. These are diving ducks that look a lot like Tufted Ducks. Flocks of Goldfinch and Linnet can be seen frequently now that the trees have dropped their foliage, and as many wintering birds prepare for migration to the continent over the next month and beyond, look out for waders congregating on the river and docks.
The CCTV installation is now complete and the system active. The system allows us to monitor any anti-social behaviour occurring on site and to take relevant action.
USER FORUM MEETING
The next User Forum meeting will be in May 2010. The exact date, format and location to be confirmed.
Please contact Karen Sutton on 020 8988 7565 for details.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteer in the Park this February at:
• 6th – Free the Trees: Removing tree guards at Gunpowder Park, 10am
• 17th – If It Wasn’t For The Bramble In Between: Tree and bramble removal, Walthamstow Marshes, 10am
If you would like to volunteer in the Lee Valley Park, please contact our Volunteers Officer, David Hurtley, on 01992 709867